Thanks to a 3-0 victory over rival White Oak, Jacksonville not only remained undefeated against the Vikings in 16 soccer games — dating back to 2005 — but the Cardinals also kept intact their unbeaten streak in the Coastal 3-A Conference.

Since joining the league in 2009 along with White Oak, Jacksonville is 53-0-3 in the Coastal Conference. The Cardinals (20-1) ended conference play this year 14-0 after going 13-0-1 last year, 12-0-2 in 2010 and 14-0 in 2009.

“It’s a good four-year run,” Jacksonville coach Dave Miller said. “It’s a credit to the kids we have come into the program. They’ve worked hard, they believe in each other and they’ve gotten the job done.”

Now the Cardinals, the top-ranked team in the N.C. Soccer Coaches Associated 3-A poll, look to continue another streak when they participate in the NCHSAA 3-A playoffs. Jacksonville, which hosts Northern Nash on Tuesday in the first round, has advanced to seven consecutive East Regional finals.

Senior defender Blake Heatherly believes the Cardinals can make it eight.

“We know we can go all the way,” he said, “but it will depend on taking it one game at a time. We got to play like we capable of playing.”

White Oak coach Buddy Carroll is just as confident about his squad, despite having lost to Jacksonville twice this season. The Vikings (16-4, 10-4) play host to North Lenoir in the first round Tuesday.

“We can definitely do some damage,” Carroll said. “I really feel like we will make a deep run in the playoffs. If things work out, hopefully in the fourth round we will meet these guys (Cardinals) again.”

Until that possible playoff match, the Cardinals yet again have bragging rights over the Vikings. Jacksonville defeated White Oak 7-2 earlier this month in what was then a meeting between teams ranked No. 1 (Cardinals) and No. 2.

“There was no goofing around. We had to be focused and work hard,” junior defender Dylan Elliott said. “We know haven’t lost to them (since 2005).”

Elliott gave Jacksonville the first-half spark it needed as he scored his team’s first goal with 22:27 left in the half. Senior Austin Patselas had a deep throw-in from the right side that was headed by junior Warren Washington inside the 18-yard box.

The ball was played toward the left, where Elliott took a shot and scored past White Oak goalkeeper Rene Perez.

“The ball got thrown in and I was debating and judging whether or not I should let it bounce or not (after headed by Washington),” Elliott said. “I let it bounce one time and one-timed it.”

Heatherly then added two second-half goals for Jacksonville.

He gave the Cardinals a 2-0 lead 2:08 into the second half on a penalty kick goal after sophomore C.J. Sparks was fouled inside the 18. Heatherly then scored on a 35-yard shot about 11 minutes later.

“All three goals came from defenders tonight, but sometimes that’s what it takes,” Miller said. “White Oak came out and played a real good defensive game and they got numbers behind the ball, which made it difficult for us.”

Even with his team leading, Miller never felt safe.

“No, because emotions in this game, it just takes them getting one and they are pushing everything they have,” he said. “So you’re never really comfortable.”

White Oak only mustered 4 shots on goal, including 3 in the second half. Still, Carroll was pleased with his club’s attack.

“We had some quality opportunities,” he said. “If one or two shots go on frame at certain points, it makes a huge difference.”

But the Vikings failed to score, thanks to a bend-don’t-break Jacksonville backfield. Senior goalkeeper Zach McCracken made 4 saves for the Cardinals.

“We talked about being more compact as a defense and moving as a unit,” Elliott said.

Heatherly said it was important for the Cardinals to keep their shape in the back, even when he took possession of the ball and carried it down the field.

“They (Vikings) wanted me (out of position) so they could counterattack on us,” he said. “But we didn’t have any goals scored on us. Michael Chin played very well as a freshman for us. He’s going to be a good player.”

Patselas also contributed to the defense, as well as on the attack, by winning several 50-50 balls in the air for the Cardinals.

“Austin’s work rate is just tremendous,” Miller said. “The kid doesn’t get the credit he deserves because he doesn’t have the goals and doesn’t have the assists, but he’s a vital part of what we do. He just wins so much and makes so many things happen for us in the middle.”